Tag Archives: new year new gear

I’m excited to post about the January New Year New Gear exchange. This was a fun way to connect with blog friends, (virtually) meet new bloggers, and even connect with a reader. The program details are available here.

At the bottom of this post I’ve included links from other bloggers’ posts about the exchange. I’ll be updating this throughout the day as posts go live.

I’m sharing two pairings–you’ll see why.

I was paired with Dan – a reader from the East Coast. He’s a personal trainer and when he asked me what one of my fitness goals was for 2013, I emailed him back that I really want to try TRX. Dan sent me an at-home TRX system. Holy smokes! It took a little time to figure out the set-up and I’m just getting started with the workouts. I’ll be writing more posts about it and hopefully share some workouts (and pictures of me trying to keep my balance). I really like at-home workouts at TRX is taking these workouts to a new level.

He also included another new-to-me product–this “handy” cooling system. He said he uses this when running outdoors in the heat. It helps keep you feeling cool and I can’t wait to try it when the snow melts!

Thanks Dan!

After the pairings were sent out, I received an email from Lindsay–she wanted to participate so she and I exchanged gear. Check out Lindsay’s blog – she’s doing Whole 30, she’s a surfer, plays soccer, and lives out in sunny California!

Lindsay sent me a package of very thoughtful and practical running accessories in bright, fun colors. These toe socks are keeping my feet warm and comfortable. I really like the added arch support!

The running hat (with ponytail hole!) and running ear band are perfect! In fact, the day I received the package, I saw a runner wearing an ear band and thought to myself that I don’t have one and could really use one!

I’ve worn these on my way to the gym but it has been too cold to run outdoors. I know these will be perfect as temps get back into the 30s or so and I can run outdoors. Linsday included a really thoughtful note and said she picked out the hat and ear band thinking I could even wear these when out walking the dogs. She said she bought herself the combo, too!

Thanks Lindsay! When I come out to CA one of these days, I want to learn to surf.

If you are interested in participating in February, please either comment below or send me an email by Thursday, February 7th – if there’s enough interest in a second month, I’ll send out pairings on Friday, February 8th.

Don’t mind me…I’m going to keep drinking my hot coffee as I type. The temp is -5 with the “feels like” -19 disclaimer. I’m trying to figure out if head-to-toe fleece will be appropriate Casual Friday attire!

Paulo Coelho is my favorite author. If you haven’t read The Alchemist, please do yourself a favor and read this gem. This list is on Coelho’s blog:

Kostas is relentless and does the same thing every night–he sits in front of Tucker and pouts, stares him down, and makes his desire to be on the dog bed known – in the form of very loud sighs. But Tucker can’t hear him so this goes on for a while until Kostas is basically standing over Tucker and there’s a changing of the guard and Kostas gets the bed. And just to be clear – there’s a perfectly good dog bed waiting for Kostas but he’s particular about where he wants to be at certain times of day.

I’m cramming a lot in today!

The New Year New Gear posts will be up on Monday. I’m really looking forward to reading about everyone’s experience.